What is your name?

Bradley Sheofee

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Director of Business Retention, Expansion, and Entrepreneurship at Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation

How long have you been in economic development?

2 years

How did you get started in economic development?

My background is in recruiting, primarily in the technology, manufacturing, and energy industries. That work was about understanding what a business needed and connecting it with the right people. Economic development gave me an opportunity to apply that same approach more broadly in helping businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs, and building relationships that move a community forward. I grew up in Broken Arrow, so getting to do that work in my hometown makes it especially meaningful.

Tell us how your community is great.

Broken Arrow is home for me. I went through Broken Arrow Public Schools K-12, and now I get to help support the businesses and people shaping its future. What makes our community special is the combination of ambition and genuine relationships. We have established business leaders with experience to share and entrepreneurs working to build something of their own. At BAEDC, we get to connect those people and help create opportunities for businesses to start, grow, and stay here.

How has being a member of SEDC benefited you?

The biggest benefit has been the opportunity to learn from people doing this work in other communities. Being part of a small team means you have to be resourceful, and there’s tremendous value in having a network of people who understand the challenges and are willing to share what has worked for them. Those relationships and perspectives help us bring better ideas back to Broken Arrow and adapt them to our community.

What is something you/your organization has accomplished that you are most proud of?

Launching Founders Forge, our eight-week entrepreneurship growth program. We’ve brought together founders, business advisors, and local leaders to help participating businesses work through challenges and take meaningful steps toward growth. The goal isn’t simply to help someone deliver a better pitch, it’s to help them reach their next customer, make the right connection, or work through something holding their business back. I’m proud of building a program around that kind of practical support and seeing our community show up for entrepreneurs.

Where is your favorite spot in your community and why?

Rise Grind & Ride Coffee Shop

What is a current podcast or book you would recommend?

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

Football!

What is something you do in your free time?

Hang out with my kiddos!

When you were younger, what did you envision yourself being when you grew up?

A professional athlete

Who is on your Economic Development Mount Rushmore?

Amber Miller (BAEDC), Jim Fram (Community Growth Strategies, LLC), Devon Laney (Gradient), & Norm Stephens (City of BA)